North Carolina Window Tint Law – Know Your Legal Limit

Having the privilege of navigating North Carolina roadways comes with certain duties, such as understanding the state’s window tint laws. North Carolina is no stranger to hot weather, which is why window tinting is such a popular choice amongst residents hoping to keep their vehicles cool and their belongings protected from the sun’s rays. However, before you tint your car’s windows, you should familiarize yourself with North Carolina window tint law and other car accident laws that may affect your driving record.

North Carolina Tint Laws

In North Carolina, drivers must follow certain legal standards when it comes to tinting windows. However, before you can understand these standards, you must first understand the definition of Visible Light Transmission, or VLT. VLT refers to the percentage of light that can pass through the window of your vehicle. In the state of North Carolina, VLT percentages are set by the state in order to help balance out both necessary protection and visibility.

These VLT percentages are typically broken down based on the type of vehicle you own.

Passenger Vehicles in North Carolina

According to Consumer Affairs, there is a grand total of 8,995,906 vehicles registered to individuals in North Carolina. Passenger vehicles can include sedans, coupes, convertibles, station wagons, and hardtop or hatchback vehicles.

Window tint laws include:

• Windshield: The windshield of a passenger vehicle can only have a tint that has been applied above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top five inches of the windshield.
• Front side windows: For these windows, the tint applied must allow at least 35% of light in.
• Rear side and back windows: Like the front side windows, the rear side and back windows of a passenger vehicle must also allow 35% light in.

SUVs or Vans in North Carolina

SUVs and vans are considered multi-purpose vehicles in North Carolina and can include other vehicles such as pickup trucks, RVs, minibuses, or those involved in a commercial vehicle accident. Window tint laws for these vehicles can include the following:

• Windshield: In North Carolina, these vehicles may be allowed a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
• Front side windows: For these windows, they must be able to allow at least 35% of light into the vehicle.
• Rear side and back windows: Any darkness is allowed for the rear side or back windows of an SUV, van, RV, minibus, or pickup truck.

In addition to window tinting laws, North Carolina is also strict on how reflective this window tint can be. Many tinting films contain a metallic element that can help in reflecting the light of oncoming vehicles or other variables. This can help reduce glare and the heat generated by visible light, such as light from the sun. It can also help reduce the rate of car accidents, of which North Carolina sees over 200,000 every year, as reflected in recent North Carolina car accident statistics.

Reflection laws for window tinting in North Carolina include:

• Passenger vehicle tint reflection: Front side windows cannot be more than 20% reflective. The same standard is in place for back side windows.
• SUV and van tint reflection: For the front side windows and back side windows of these vehicles, the tint reflection cannot be more than 20% reflective.

Exceptions to Window Tint Rules

When it comes to windshield tinting in North Carolina, there are no exemptions to the implemented rules and regulations, which is similar to the strict approach the state takes with all types of traffic violations. However, the guidelines that work to restrict side and rear window tints do not apply to the following kinds of vehicles:

• Excursion vehicles, including vehicles designed and used for sightseeing or tourism.
• For-hire vehicles, including vehicles that transport individuals for payment.
• Limousines, as side and rear windows of a limousine in North Carolina, can be as dark as you wish.
• Law enforcement, including all vehicles operated by police forces and other law enforcement agencies.
• Property haulers, including all vehicles like semi-trailers, which are used for transporting property.

FAQs

Q: What Is an AS-1 Line on a Vehicle in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, windshield window tinting laws often mention the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, but not everyone understands what this is referring to. An AS-1 line usually extends about 4-6 inches from the top of your windshield and runs parallel along the entire length. Most often, these lines are bluish in color.

Q: What Are Some Other North Carolina Tinting Rules and Regulations?

A: In North Carolina, in addition to VLT and tinting rules, there are other regulations that are important to remember. These can include the fact that red, amber, or yellow tints are not legal. If your back window is tinted, your vehicle must be equipped with dual side mirrors, and there is no sticker requirement to identify your vehicle as having legal tinting.

Q: Are There Any Medical Exceptions for Window Tinting in North Carolina?

A: Yes, in North Carolina, if an individual suffers from a medical condition that makes them particularly sensitive to light or photosensitive, they may be able to secure a medical exception permit from the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program. Once this permit is secured, it is valid for a set amount of time and is only applicable to the specific vehicle with governing instructions on how the tint can be applied and to which windows it will affect.

Q: What Penalties Can Be Enforced for Illegal Window Tinting in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, if you are pulled over for illegally tinting the windows or windshield of your vehicle, you may face several penalties. These penalties can include fines and court costs, a potential increase in your insurance premiums, or, similar to receiving a speeding ticket, you may be required to remove or adjust the tint through a repair order for the tint to meet legal limits.

Speak to a Seasoned Attorney in North Carolina Today From Christina Rivenbark & Associates

If you find yourself pulled over in North Carolina for exceeding the window tint limits, the exceptional legal team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates is here to advocate for you. We are dedicated to helping our neighbors with any legal matter they need assistance with and helping them achieve their goals. Contact our offices today for a free consultation, and we can confidentially discuss the details of your case.